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The US and Mexico have been working for several years to modify and upgrade the crossing points in to Tijuana for several years. The US has fully rebuilt the San Ysidro crossing going North to the US and continues to expand with additional auto lanes and streamlined pedestrian crossing.

Likewise in Mexico the El Chaparral crossing has created numerous additional auto lanes but not so much for pedestrians until now. The new Puerta Este for pedestrian crossers looks much more like you are arriving at an airport than any pedestrian facility seen before at a US border crossing.

For the most part the crossing is simple and crossers may be requested to push a button that will give a green light or red light. The green light means go on your way while the red light means you will be asked a few simple questions such as how long are you visiting Mexico, where you will visit and if you have anything to declare. The majority of people passing through the facility will have little scrutiny.

What is true, no matter if you are crossing by vehicle or on foot in to Mexico that there is much more scrutiny than ever before. The number of Customs Officials has increased dramatically. Click here to view a previous post regarding visa requirements to visit Tijuana.

The kickoff to the Vendimia takes place at one of the most iconic buildings in Ensenada, the Riviera del Pacifico. This event has wine from over 50 wineries and food from around the region accompanied by music. This year will celebrate the 25th annual Vendimia celebration.

Sunday, August 16: Party at the Riviera

Wine tastings, music, culture and dance at the Riviera del Pacifico in Ensenada. Enjoy a wonderful time with family at this free event.

Thursday, August 20: Party in the Valley

This free event offers wine tastings, food and artisanal craftsfrom the Valle de Guadalupe in the Parque el Porvenir

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Sunday, August 23: Paella Contest 2015

This huge event concludes the Vendimia festival. A magical event with more than 50 winemakers and 80 teams competing to offer the best paella, this is always a favorite.

The festival will showcase food, music,artandcultureoftheSanDiego-Tijuana borderregion. There will be three pavilions with different foods, vendors and services available to visitors. Items for sale and services include foods oftheregion,travel and tourism,massage,clothing,and beachaccessories. Exhibitions and activities include paintings,sculptureandbodypaint,amongothers.

Other activities include: – dog parade – volleyball tournament – body boarding competition – surfing exhibition – skateboarding exhibition – Zonkey photos – sand castle building – swimwear show (men and women) – many more!Playas de Tijuana is located approximately 8 miles from the San Ysidro / El Chaparral border crossing. The drive takes only about 10 minutes along the international highway. Taxis from the border are available for approximately $10 USD.

Plaza Sta. Cecilia is 10 minute walk from the San Ysidro / El Chaparral border crossing or $4 USD taxi ride. Uber is also available in Tijuana.

The Committee for Tourism and Conventions reports that the number of gay visitors to Tijuana will spike during the week of the Pride festivities. Acceptance of gay visitors has become more widespread as the positive impact of those visitors is seen. Tourism in Tijuana has increased by 8 percent this year over last.

The Supreme Court of Mexico ruled that state law which considers the ultimate purpose of marriage to be “procreation, and or defines (marriage) as celebrated between a man and a woman, is unconstitutional.” This does not mean however that gay marriage will immediately state in all states. Any person who is denied the ability to marry based on these circumstances has the right to petition the local court.